This refreshing salad mixes fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and crunchy pecans for a tasty treat. It’s light, colorful, and perfect for sunny days or as a side dish!
You can whip this up in no time! I love how the berries add a burst of sweetness amidst the greens. Pair it with a simple dressing, and you’ll be asking for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Baby spinach is great here for its tender texture and mild flavor. If you can’t find baby spinach, you can use regular spinach, but be sure to remove the tough stems.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star! If they’re out of season, you can swap them with blueberries or raspberries for a similar fruity touch.
Pecans: Pecans add a lovely crunch. If you’re allergic or want to switch it up, walnuts or sliced almonds work well. You could even use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option!
Red Onion: Red onion adds a sharp bite. If it’s too strong for your taste, use green onions or shallots; they have a milder flavor.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a creamy touch. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a vegan feta or omit it altogether. Crumbled goat cheese also works beautifully!
Balsamic Glaze: Balsamic glaze is sweet and tangy. If you don’t have it, a simple mix of balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey can mimic the flavors.
How Do I Properly Wash and Prepare Spinach?
Preparing spinach correctly is key to a fresh salad. Here’s how to do it:
- First, fill a large bowl or sink with cold water. Submerge the spinach and gently agitate to remove dirt or sand.
- Lift the spinach from the water and transfer it to a salad spinner. Spin dry to remove excess water; this helps the dressing stick better.
- If you don’t have a spinner, lay the leaves on a clean kitchen towel and gently pat them dry.
This step ensures your salad is fresh and crunchy, not soggy!
Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad With Pecans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped or halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction
- Optional: salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad is quick to prepare! You’ll spend about 10 minutes washing and chopping your ingredients. If you want to let the flavors meld, you can let it sit for a few minutes before serving, but it’s just as delicious right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spinach:
Start by washing the baby spinach leaves. Fill a large bowl or sink with cold water, gently immerse the spinach, and swish it around to remove any dirt. Lift the leaves out of the water and place them in a salad spinner to dry. If you don’t have a spinner, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Add the Strawberries:
Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops and slice them into halves or quarters depending on their size. Scatter the strawberry pieces evenly over the spinach for a burst of color and sweetness.
3. Slice the Onion:
Next, peel and thinly slice the red onion. Scatter the slices across the salad, adding a delightful crunch and a bit of sharpness.
4. Mix in the Pecans:
Add the pecans next. Make sure to distribute them throughout the salad for added texture and crunch in every bite!
5. Crumble the Feta:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over your salad to give it a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the entire salad. If you don’t have glaze, balsamic vinegar works too, but start with a little less since it’s more potent!
7. Season and Toss:
Optionally, season the salad with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss everything gently if you like, or you can serve it as is for a lovely presentation.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Dig in immediately! This salad is perfect on its own or as a colorful side for grilled chicken or fish. Enjoy this fresh, light, and vibrant dish!
FAQs About Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad With Pecans
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Pecans?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans, try walnuts, sliced almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each will give your salad a nice crunch!
How Do I Keep Leftovers Fresh?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting.
Can I Make the Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep various components ahead! Wash and dry the spinach and slice the strawberries and onions, then store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest taste.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re looking for an alternative to feta, you can use crumbled goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor or omit cheese altogether for a dairy-free version. Vegan feta is also a great option!
